Apply for a Bachelor of Architecture

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First‑Year (Freshmen) Applicants

Early Action: November 1

Regular Decision: January 15

• Students who have never enrolled at the University of Oregon and are applying to the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program must submit a University of Oregon application for the fall term.
• The BArch application option is available only on the fall UO application.
• The option is not available for winter, spring, or summer term applications.
• Students who apply to UO for a non‑fall term cannot be considered for admission to the BArch program.

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You must respond to two short‑answer prompts. These responses are a critical part of the admission review and should clearly reflect your interests, experiences, and creative perspective.

Prompts (350 words each)

1. What should we understand as most important about your submitted creative work? Why is it meaningful to you, and why should it matter to others?
2. Why are you interested in this design program? Describe experiences and motivations that led you to apply.

Writing Tips

• Focus on your personal motivations and creative process
• Strong writing and clear communication are important
• Avoid excessive discussion of video games or toy block systems unless they meaningfully demonstrate creativity or design thinking

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Applicants must submit a portfolio of six (6) images of original creative work via a single web link.

What we're looking for

• Evidence of creativity and curiosity
• Quality of presentation matters more than professional experience
• A wide range of creative media is welcome

Creativity may include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, physical models, music‑related projects, food art, or other creative work.

Many applicants are creating a portfolio for the first time. Example portfolios are available.

Portfolio Guidelines

• Submit 6 images, displayed on up to 6 pages
  • Each image must include:
    • Title (if applicable)
    • Medium
    • Brief description or process notes
    • Attribution of collaborators or tools used (including AI, if applicable)
• You may show fewer works on fewer pages
• All materials must be accessible via a single public link
• Acceptable platforms include Google Slides or Wix
• Do not submit SlideRoom links

Media Balance

• We encourage no more than 4 works in the same medium
• Maximum of 1 AI‑assisted work and 1 video/animation

Acceptable Media Examples

• Drawings, design drawings, sketches, doodles, or paintings
• Built works or physical models
• Photography (when photography is a primary focus)
• Sculpture, ceramics, textiles
• Collage or mixed media
• Video or animation
• AI‑assisted work (with proper explanation and citation)
• Other creative media

Do NOT Include

• CAD‑drafted building reproductions (unless documenting an original design)
• Excessive photography unrelated to creative exploration
• Video game or toy block outputs unless exceptional and clearly design‑driven

Applications receive two reviews:

1. UO Admissions Review
   Determines admission to the University of Oregon
2. Department of Architecture Review
   Conducted for applicants who: 
   • Are admitted to UO, and
   • Indicated Architecture as their intended major

Applications are forwarded to the department automatically. No additional action is required.

Applicants receive two separate decisions:

1. University admission decision from UO Admissions
2. Program admission decision from the Department of Architecture

Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist.

• Early Action: by late December
• Regular Fall Applicants: by late April
• Transfer Applicants: by late May
• Waitlist Decisions: by late June

Applicants who met the departmental deadlines for submitting the UO application and supporting documents can expect to receive a separate email notification from UO Admissions regarding admission to the architecture major. 

To check on the status of departmental notifications, contact UO Admissions at admissions@uoregon.edu.